//------------------------------//
// Prologue 
// Story: Stormy Forecast 
// by urthdigger 
//------------------------------//

	It wasn’t every day that Princess Celestia sent a letter to Twilight Sparkle, rather than receiving one, so it was with much surprise that Spike belched forth a scroll during the middle of breakfast. After a moment’s pause, Twilight levitated the scroll, broke the wax seal, and read it out loud.

To my most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle:
I am most pleased at your progress in studying the magic of friendship, and grateful for you and your friends’ efforts in saving Equestria twice now. As a small token of my thanks, I’ve arranged a trip for the six of you aboard the cruise ship Aurora, leaving in two days. I do hope you all enjoy the vacation, and I would not be surprised if you learn a thing or two.
Your benevolent ruler
Princess Celestia

“Wow, that sounds amazing!” exclaimed Spike “I can’t wait to see the ship!”
Twilight frowned. “I’m sorry, but Celestia only mentioned six spots.  Besides, someone has to stay and look after the library. I’ll see if I can get you a vacation of your own once I get back, maybe a private trip with a guest of your choice?”
The promise of a romantic trip with Rarity was enough to persuade him to stay behind for now, though he made a show of continuing to act disappointed “Oh, alright. But I’m adding it to your checklist so you don’t forget it.”
“Which one?” asked Twilight.
“All of them,” replied Spike dryly.

Twilight soon spread word to Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack, but as usual Rainbow Dash was hard to find. They finally found her sprawled across a cloud drifting over town hall, snoring the day away.
“Hey Rainbow Dash, get up. We’re going on a trip,” yelled Twilight from her hot air balloon
Rainbow winced, stretched, and blinked wearily at the offending noise “Sure. Um, can I sleep on the way there? They had me tracking weather conditions all night last night.”
“Oh, is that why you always need naps during the day?” asked Twilight
“Nah, they just put me on this shift last—I mean yes, that is precisely the reason why,” lied Rainbow Dash. Twilight did not look convinced.
“I guess I should report back to the rest of the weather team before I leave,” continued Rainbow Dash “I’ll meet back with you guys in an hour.”

The weather team’s building was down on the ground, supposedly so earth ponies and unicorns could come in if they had to. Not that any did. The place was fairly deserted outside of the occasional pegasus starting or finishing a job. Today, there was just a lone clerk manning the desk as Rainbow Dash pulled a few papers out of her bag.
“Here are the forecasts and such,” she said after dropping them onto the desk “I made a few recommendations as well. Oh, and I’ll be out of town for a bit. Twilight’s got something or other going on again. You know how it is. I’ll let you guys know when I’m back.”
The clerk simply nodded and began looking over the reports as Rainbow Dash left. The writing was a terrible, but he’d long gotten used to that. Apparently Ponyville was due for sunny weather for the next few days, followed by an incoming cold front. The clerk was surprised to see Rainbow had gone above and beyond the call of duty in listing conditions for the countryside surrounding the town as well. Then, he looked at her recommendations. She recommended sending the pegasi out to help with the inclement weather in the countryside between Canterlot and Ponyville, a place uninhabited except for anyone travelling the road. While it was a kind idea to keep any travelers dry, they didn’t have the workforce to protect both the town and the road, and the weather team could use the break the sunny days would provide. The clerk filed the report under “Not Urgent” and made a note in his ledger that the forecast was 3 days of sun, followed by stormy weather.

An hour later, Rainbow was all packed and met with her friends at the Ponyville train station. Spike, the Cakes, Angel, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and a few other well-wishers were there to see them off. Each said goodbye in their own way: Scootaloo wanted to hide in Rainbow Dash's luggage while Apple Bloom promised Applejack the farm would be in good hooves, Twilight told Spike to stay out of trouble, while the Cakes told Pinkie Pie not to get in too much trouble, knowing her too well to expect no trouble at all, and Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a long hug, while Angel pretended to be indifferent. The six friends gave one more wave before boarding the train, with a cheer of "Let's make this the best vacation ever!"

Spike gave a contented sigh as the train pulled away. As much as he liked Twilight, he felt he was going to enjoy a little vacation of his. No chores, no obligations, just some rest and relaxation.